Who is Kirsty Paterson?
Kirsty Paterson was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1993. Growing up, she had a strong interest in the performing arts and pursued her studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, specializing in acting. She completed her education in 2015, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Acting.
Paterson has a strong bond with her family, particularly her parents, who have consistently encouraged her aspirations. Her father, David Paterson, used to work as an engineer, while her mother, Fiona Paterson, has a career in nursing. Moreover, her sibling, Scott Paterson, is a graphic designer.
She is a multi-talented individual who is an actress, fire performer, and yoga instructor. She rose to fame internationally when she portrayed an Oompa Loompa in a failed Willy Wonka-themed event in March 2024.
Following graduation, Paterson decided to pursue acting and has since been featured in a variety of stage, screen, and television projects.
Some of her memorable performances include: portraying Mary in the live version of Frankenstein at the Citizens Theatre in 2016 and portraying Juliet in the film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet directed by Baz Luhrmann in 2017.
She also played Lila in the BBC One series The Missing in 2018, starring as Emma in the short film The Last Dance which won the Best Short Film award at the Glasgow Film Festival in 2019, and playing Sophie in the musical Mamma Mia! at the King’s Theatre in 2020.
Kirsty Paterson is not only an actress, but also a talented fire performer and yoga teacher. She has showcased her skills at a range of festivals and gatherings, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Glasgow Mela, and the Celtic Connections. Additionally, she shares her knowledge of kids’ yoga and mindfulness by leading classes in schools and community centers.
Personal Life
Kirsty Paterson and James Stewart, both actors and musicians, got married in 2019 after meeting in 2016 while collaborating on a theatrical production. They share a son, Leo, born in 2021, and stay in a charming apartment in the West End of Glasgow with their cat, Luna.
What happened at the Willy Wonka Event?
Kirsty Paterson’s latest and most widely shared performance was as an Oompa Loompa at the Willy’s Chocolate Experience, a Willy Wonka-inspired event hosted by the House of Illuminati, a company known for its interactive events. The event took place on March 5, 2024, at the Hubbox in Glasgow, offering a magical experience for kids and families.
After the event was abruptly cancelled on its first day, Kirsty Paterson spoke to the media and described it as a “complete and utter shambles.”
Many families were left feeling let down and upset after shelling out as much as £35 per person to attend the event, which was held in a poorly decorated warehouse with just a rainbow and a bouncy castle.
Kirsty Paterson was one of several actors and performers recruited for the occasion, with a payment of £500 for a two-day commitment. She expressed that she had little knowledge of what to expect and that she was not given enough information about her part.
She was tasked with handing out jelly beans while conducting experiments in a makeshift “science lab” consisting of a table, beakers, and tubes.
Paterson expressed her shock upon discovering that her photos were being circulated on the internet, although she immediately recognized herself.
“I’m not going to lie or sugarcoat this: This has been quite a lot for me. I find it funny and I can make a humorous joke about it, but the flip side of this is that this is embarrassing for what I do, and I hope this doesn’t tarnish that.”
According to her, she experienced both shame and anger and directly addressed Billy Coull, the person in charge. He subsequently apologized and offered refunds to 850 individuals. Additionally, she mentioned that she had not been compensated for her efforts and was contemplating taking legal measures.
Despite the confusion and negative comments, Kirsty Paterson received a lot of praise on social media for her efforts to improve the situation and her entertaining portrayal of an Oompa Loompa for the children.
She expressed surprise at the response and expressed gratitude for the support. She also expressed her hope that her portrayal would not harm her reputation as an actress.
